More playgrounds for children demanded

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon and Green Voice form a human chain in front of the National Museum in the city yesterday demanding adequate number of playgrounds across the country. PHOTO: STAR

They said there should be at least one playground for every school to encourage games and sports among the children.

Expressing concern over the decreasing number of open space and playgrounds, the speakers said if their illegal occupation is not stopped immediately, a day will come when the next generation will not find a piece of land for their recreation.

They urged the government to take necessary steps to retrieve the city's open space and playgrounds from illegal occupation and maintain them properly.

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Green Voice, two environmental organisations, organised the rally and a token sports exercise in front of the National Museum in the city to articulate the demands.

Addressing the rally founder Chairman of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra (World Literature Centre) Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed said regular exercise and sport is essential for mental and physical growth of children.

But open space and playgrounds in cities are being grabbed by unscrupulous people leading to an unhealthy environment for children, he added.

Prof Sayeed said it is a matter of regret that there is no proper authority to look after the existing open spaces and playgrounds as most of the time these are used for political, commercial and cultural purposes.

Besides, lack of open space and playground fails to inspire the children and youths for games and sports, he observed.

Presided over by Prof Nazmul Ahsan Kolimullah of Dhaka University, the meeting was also addressed by former advisor to caretaker government ASM Shahjahan, Bapa Vice-president Prof Nazrul Islam and sport personalities Zakaria Pintu, Rokibul Islam and Sheikh Md Aslam.